HeliOffshore Publishes Recommended Practice on Automation for Offshore Helicopter Operations
Today HeliOffshore has released its new Automation Recommended Practice for Offshore Helicopter Operations.
Developed in collaboration with operators, OEMs, and subject matter experts across the industry, the publication provides guidance to help maximise the safety benefits of helicopter automation.
Automation has transformed helicopter operations, improving stability, precision, and efficiency. However, it also brings challenges - particularly around understanding, training, and managing automation in complex offshore environments.
This Recommended Practice provides practical advice to help operators, training organisations, and flight crews use automation safely and effectively, supporting the reduction of Loss of Control-Inflight (LOC-I) and Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) events.The paper sets out:
The evolution of automation technology
Guidance on automation philosophy, levels, terminology, and flight management principles.
Best practice for pilot training and maintaining manual flying proficiency.
OEM-specific information from Airbus, Bell, Leonardo, and Sikorsky, outlining automation philosophies, capabilities, and limitations.
Insights into emerging technologies, future automation developments, and cybersecurity awareness.
To assist members in applying the guidance effectively, HeliOffshore will be adding the Automation Recommended Practice to its Implementation Toolkit in the coming weeks, which enables a gap analysis between company procedures and the list of recommendations. The Implementation Toolkit is available to member company representatives through the HeliOffshore data site.
Jim Evans, Operations Director, HeliOffshore, said: “This publication highlights that while automation has transformed offshore aviation and continues to advance rapidly, its value lies in how it is understood and applied - complementing the proven safety systems and practices that underpin our industry. By bringing together expertise from across the industry through the collaboration of our members, this recommended practice helps to strengthen understanding and ensure that automation continues to enhance safety and performance in offshore helicopter operations.”
The Automation Recommended Practice complements HeliOffshore’s existing Flight Path Management RP, together providing a practical framework to support continuous improvement in operational safety and performance.
The report is available on the HeliOffshore website here.